The Tastee Express food stand outside Home Depot in Clifton is rarely at a loss for customers, says operator

Staten Island Advance/Marissa DiBartoloSimon Berkovich âÂÂ of Rossville on the South ShoreâÂÂ is the owner and operator of the Tastee Express food stand by the entrance and exit of Home Depot on Targee Street in Clifton.

By MARISSA DIBARTOLO and TREVOR SIDERIS

CLIFTON -- Strategically placed right between the entrance and the exit of Home Depot on Targee Street, the Tastee Express food stand is an on-the-go gem for many.

Although lunching at a big-box home-improvement store may not be the most conventional way to fill up, the meals from Tastee Express are sure to please. Whatever the weather, or time of day, people prove the point: There is a constant flow for a quick bite before or after shopping.

“I think it’s great, I eat here all the time,” said Jameo Moody, 24, who works full time in contractor services.

Unlike the common hot dog truck, owner and operator Simon Berkovich, of Rossville, is dedicated to providing a variety of options for his customers. From hot dogs, burgers, and Philly cheese steaks, to tuna melts and chicken fingers, Tastee Express has got something for everyone.

“I like to cater to all different people because everyone wants something different,” explained Berkovich.

The face of the business, Berkovich visits his stand every day, whether he is working or not. He believes, “If the boss is here, business will be good.”

It is all about keeping up appearances, as Berkovich spends about two hours a day cleaning the stand to perfection, both the interior and the exterior. After all, “no one wants to come to a dirty hot dog stand,” he says.

Open from 7 a.m. through 6 p.m., Berkovich says he is busiest between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The hot dog retains its standing as the most popular item on his menu.

“Quick, easy and on the go,” is the way one customer described his decision to grab a pair of hot dogs from the stand.

But Berkovich prides himself on a different dish: The Philly cheese steak. Grilled peppers and onions and shredded steak wedged between fresh bread delivered daily, the sandwich is a mouth-watering delight that takes under five minutes to make, getting customers on their way as quickly as possible.

Customers and employees at Home Depot frequent the stand. Berkovich knows many by name and face and doesn’t need to hear their orders: He knows exactly what they want.

Berkovich admits his sales have declined over the past few months, but he still believes in his business.

“I stay optimistic. I’m a pretty positive person. I put my time in and I hope for the best,” he said.

Though he may not be as busy as in the past, the two-year business is still turning a profit, and people continue to need their quick fix for lunch.

Changing locations is out of the question for the owner and operator of Tastee Express.

“No matter what, at the end of the day, there is always people coming and going,” he explains.